Tuesday, December 1, 2009

CT NEMBA at the PV NEMBA Toys for Tots ride

Pictured above (l to r): Paula Burton, Glenn Vernes, John Przychodzen,
Mike Napolitano, Mark McFarlane, Al Tinti, Mike Cappiello, Joe Tinti


A large contingent of CT NEMBA members made the trek to the PV NEMBA Toys for Tots ride on November 22, held at Robinson State Park in Agawam Mass. The price of admission was one new toy that was donated to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The weather was nearly perfect (just a little chilly) and the ride was supremely well attended. Judging from the cars in the lot and the traffic on the trails I’d say over 100 riders participated.

Robinson S.P is just over the state line, not far from Six Flags and the Big E. It’s an easy drive from the Hartford area and points north and well worth the trip. The trails are smooth with hardly any rocks or roots, sandy in places, and they wind their way up and down the park’s short hills in serpentine fashion. No prolonged climbing, but a lot of up-and-down. The trails encourage fast pedaling and you will finish the ride tired. One section is bermed like a downhill BMX track. Great for a rigid bike but I was under geared on my singlespeed- I’ll be bringing the geared bike next time. Some call the place Kingdom Trails South, but I’d say the trails are even smoother.

If you didn’t make the ride this year put it on your calendar for next year as it’s well worth the trip.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Will there be another Toys for Tots ride this year at Robinson State Park?

Mark said...

I am sure there will be. We might do our own this year, too.